Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme that was originally created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books starting in August 2019, and was then cohosted with Dani @ Literary Lion from May 2020 to March 2022. Book Nook Bits has hosted since April 2022.
I thought this was a really interesting topic for today, and one that has definitely prompted a lot of thoughts!
Let’s Talk Bookish November 15th:
Do You Prefer to Read Characters Your Age?
Prompts: Do you prefer reading about characters your age? Or do you not mind? As you get older, do the protagonists you’re drawn to get older as well? Do you feel you can connect more with characters closer in age?
I think in the hands of a good writer, it doesn’t matter the age of the character, as long as it fits the story being told. I like reading YA, but I definitely feel like there’s a difference in how I connect with the characters as I get older. For example, I can understand why they make the decisions they make, and that they often come from a place of youth and uncertainty, but they’re no longer the decisions I would make and in YA novels, I do find myself mentally thinking “well, if they had done X…” or “that wasn’t the best idea!”. It’s not something against the novel or the characters, but rather than feeling like I’m ‘in their shoes’ as such, I feel like often I’m looking on as an older person and feeling more…protective, of them? Or more like rather than as a teen I would see compelling characters and cheer for them as I would with friends, now I feel more like an aunt-type figure shaking my head and wishing I could reach through and give the poor kids a big cwtch!
I don’t think it’s always about the age of the character either, as such. I can read a character my age (or abouts) and feel completely disconnected from them, but I can read someone who’s a few years younger or older, and feel like they’re at a similar life-stage to me, or have similar struggles, and relate to them more. I do think, however, I am a bit more drawn to characters my age in Contemporary, especially. I think this is because it’s where ‘life stages’ or struggles are more likely to be similar.
I think what I’m finding, too, is I love reading characters who are experiencing things I haven’t encountered or maybe will face some day, as much as I love reading characters who have already been through things I have (as in universal kind of experiences – first crushes or general teen, um, angst, or going through first breakups or starting new jobs etc). It provokes very different responses, but in really great ways.
So yes – really, it completely depends on the book and what kind of mood I’m in! I don’t tend to particularly pay attention to character ages when I pick up a book, but I think a good writer can make a reader connect with a character of any age, if they’re well written. But sometimes I do want to read about mid/late-thirties women and feel that extra layer of connection. I don’t have to see myself in a character to find them compelling, but occasionally it is fun to see myself reflected in a character.
I hope that made sense? Like with most things, I enjoy a mixture and like to read different things, so there really are pros and cons to reading characters my age and of different ages. What about you? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic, too!
Unwrapping Words 